Mobile Internet in Spain – Best eSIM Spain, SIM Card and Pocket WiFi

Spain welcomed 85 million foreign visitors in 2023 and ranks second only to France. You might be picturing a tourist gazing at Gaudí's creations in Barcelona, a digital nomad worker in a remote location in Valencia, or a conference traveler on the move for business in Madrid. You must remain connected to the internet, however. A good internet connection enables you to get around with Google Maps, call for rides, buy tickets online, post travel updates in real-time on Facebook, and even work remotely uninterrupted.

Tourists in Spain mostly use one of three connection options: Spain eSIM, Spain prepaid SIM card, or Spain pocket WiFi portable device. Spain eSIM technology has made it easy to get mobile data on the go while traveling since it accommodates immediate activation and ease without having to go to a store. Prepaid SIM cards, however, remain a handy alternative for those with old devices, while Pocket WiFi is best suited for families and groups who need several connections on the go.

Why Buy SIM Card for Spain Travel

Though eSIM Spain is becoming more popular, the majority of tourists prefer a SIM card for Spain as it is easily available, cheap, and reliable. Spain has one of the most advanced telecommunication networks in the European continent with 4G connectivity in more than 98% of the population and 5G connectivity in all major cities. SIM cards provide a traditional way of accessing high-speed internet and typically come with local and EU-wide call minutes.

A prepaid SIM card is also ideal for long-stay visitors like expats or students. Spanish SIM deals are some of the cheapest in Western Europe. Reports indicate that Spain's average price per GB data is as little as €1.20, while that of Germany is €3.00 and in the UK is €2.50. SIM cards are therefore a great option for value-conscious tourists.

Where to Buy a Spain SIM Card

SIM cards are readily available and easy to buy:

• Airports: SIM card kiosks are also found in the Barcelona-El Prat and Madrid-Barajas airports. It costs a little more, but it's worth it if you want instant connectivity.
• Authorized carrier stores: Movistar, Vodafone, Orange, and Yoigo have stores in Spain where you can buy SIM cards with full support.
• Electronics & supermarkets: MediaMarkt, Carrefour, and El Corte Inglés retail prepaid SIMs on the cheap.
• Online delivery: Businesses can have SIM cards delivered to your hotel or Airbnb so you're online when you arrive.

Cost of Spain SIM Card

Spanish SIM card prices depend on data amount and time. Tourists pay, on average, between €10 and €35. The €10 card gives customers around 25GB, and €35 can include 150GB with free calls. Unlimited data is even provided to those who consume lots of data by some carriers.

Best Spain SIM Cards

Requirements for Tourists to Buy SIM Card in Spain

It is easy to buy a SIM card in Spain but it has some legal requirements. Spain has very strict telecommunication laws to prevent fraud and abuse. Each SIM card needs to be registered with an owner who has a valid identification. Even prepaid cards are not exempted from this.

What you need to obtain a SIM card in Spain:

• A current passport or EU/EEA national identity card
• An unlocked phone compatible with European networks
• Cash or credit/debit card payment
• Voluntariness to provide basic personal details (name, date of birth, ID number)

The activation procedure typically only requires less than five minutes at the store. The SIM is already usable once it has been activated. Travelers must also equip themselves with phones that can support European LTE/5G bands for optimal performance.

Guide to Using Pocket WiFi in Spain

Another method of staying connected is to lease a Pocket WiFi in Spain. It is a small portable device that acts as a personal router, so several devices can access one internet connection. It is especially preferred by groups, families, or business associates traveling in a group.

What is Pocket WiFi?

Pocket WiFi is a portable, battery-operated hotspot that is connected to 4G or 5G networks to provide internet services. Pocket WiFi is not device-specific like eSIMs or SIM cards but can accommodate 5–10 connections simultaneously, which is best suited for sharing with friends or colleagues.

How to Get a Pocket WiFi in Spain

Pocket WiFi can be booked in advance over the internet before you leave and have them delivered to your hotel, picked up from the airport, or shipped abroad. You can mail it back or drop it at designated counters when you get back.

How to rent Pocket WiFi in Spain:

• Online rental companies (delivered to hotel/Airbnb)
• Airport Pickup (Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga)
• Monthly or weekly stay packages for long stays
• Return by prepaid envelope or drop-off counter

Spain Pocket WiFi Providers & Charges

*Unlimited often means around 2–3GB/day before speed limits apply.

Pros and Cons of Pocket WiFi in Spain

Pros

• Supports several devices (ideal for groups/families)
• Laptop, tablet, and phone friendly
• Safe private WiFi network
• Easy to order online and pick up at airport

Cons

• Expensive for solo travellers
• Requires daily charging (6–10 hours battery life)
• Damage/loss fines can be substantial (€100+)
• Must be completed on time

ZetSIM Spain eSIM for 5G Connectivity

The newest choice for travellers is an eSIM for Spain. An eSIM is an electronic SIM and can be installed immediately by scanning a QR code. It removes card switching, store trips, or waiting in line.

ZetSIM is one of the best eSIM operators in Spain. It has low prices, decent coverage, and 5G in big cities, making it an extremely popular choice among travelers and remote workers. You can purchase online plans, receive the QR code via email, and be online in minutes.

ZetSIM Spain eSIM Plans

How to Make Calls Using Spain eSIM

Among the cross-cutting challenges for tourists is how to make a call using an eSIM. With ZetSIM, you have two options:

• Data-only plans: These let you call over the internet using WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, or Zoom. This is the most widely used option for app-reliant tourists.
• Packages with Spanish mobile number: ZetSIM offers packages with a local number used for regular voice calls and SMS. This is useful for business travellers or whoever might need receiving verification SMS from Spanish companies.

According to ZetSIM, most tourists prefer data-only plans because apps like WhatsApp are popular in Spain. Still, it is convenient to have a Spanish number if you remain for extended periods or need to contact the local services.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether you are a short stay visitor or extended stay traveler, Spain has excellent mobile internet connectivity. A Spanish SIM card is cheap and easily found, Spain Pocket WiFi is great for groups, and the Spain eSIM is the most recent and easiest option. To most travellers, the best eSIM in Spain is ZetSIM, thanks to its immediate activation, affordable rates, and fast 5G speeds. From $2.20 per day to $41 for 30-day unlimited, ZetSIM is unbeatable in terms of flexibility. With the right internet solution, you will be able to enjoy to the fullest Spain's vibrant cities, historic villages, and stunning beaches and stay connected in the process.

FAQs

1. What is the cost of internet in Spain?
   The cost varies based on the option: SIM cards cost €10–€35 for 25–150GB, Pocket WiFi rentals cost €6–€15/day, and ZetSIM eSIM plans as little as $2.20/day or $20 for 20GB/30 days.
2. Can you buy a SIM card in Spain?
   Yes, SIM cards can be easily found at airports, stores, and supermarkets. Registration via passport or ID is required.
3. And how to obtain eSIM with Spanish number?
   You have the option to choose a plan with Spanish mobile number via ZetSIM Spain eSIM. You can call and send SMS as well as data.
4. What is the best eSIM for Spain?
   The best Spain eSIM is ZetSIM, as it offers low-cost plans, instant QR code delivery, good 5G coverage, and data-only and full phone service flexibility.